Visitor
Management
Strategic need
Over the past twenty years there has been growing public investment
in Upper Deeside by the key public agencies in visitor facilities,
access provision and information, more recently reflected in the current
work of UDAT, the National Trust for Scotland and many local estates
in the area. Given the limited amount of public resources available,
it is critical that this investment is well targeted, reflects visitor
needs and any change in patterns of demand in the area. There is also
a need to guide public access to places where it can best be accommodated
and deflect activity and dependence from a limited number of heavily
used sites. All of this requires good intelligence about patterns
of visitor use.
Constraints and Opportunities
Other than national surveys, there is limited specific feedback
about the requirements of visitors for low ground access or the
existing pattern of use. Information is not collected in a systematic
way between the various estates, and any data which is available
cannot usefully be compared. UDAT have instigated a limited network
of path counters in the area which could be considerably enhanced
by developing a more co-ordinated programme between the various
estates. Because of the specific visitor management issues in Glen
Muick, UDAT has taken an active role in managing the Spittal car
park and introducing a charging policy to raise funds for path work
etc. Vision
The aim is to base future visitor management decisions on an understanding
of the resource and patterns of visitor use to help minimise the
impact of visitors. Determining the relative merits of access development
versus resource protection will inform UDAT's wider programme. Methods
of reducing conflict between visitor and land management activities
including the particular problems of traffic congestion will continue
to be investigated through partnership working with others. A long
term aim is to ensure that visitor management is consistent and
co-ordinated throughout Upper Deeside. Rationale
A strategic approach to the planning, management and provision of
visitor facilities is seen as a fundamental means of responding
to the needs of the area, and in informing and assisting future
policy decisions of the proposed Cairngorms National Park. Specific
information about visitor use and distribution in Upper Deeside
is likely to form a critical component of this policy. A more strategic
approach to visitor management may help to reduce conflicts between
visitors and land managers, as well as impact on the natural heritage
whilst enhancing overall visitor experience. Priorities
Action will be focused on the management of the Spittal of Glen
Muick car park, and on building on existing research work undertaken
to provide wider strategic information on access. Information will
include the condition of high and low ground paths in the area,
visitor use and distribution at key access points, and the economic
benefits of new path networks. UDAT will continue to work in partnership
with others, including the Cairngorms Paths Task Force which has
been established to take a wider strategic view of visitor management
across the pan-Cairngorm area.
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